Festivities offer fun ways to begin new academic year

This year's First Week activities will include opportunities for fun and for service.

Dr. Marc Shook, Associate Provost and Dean of Student Engagement, said the events
are designed to help first-year students as they transition to college life.

"Beginning the day students move into their campus residence halls, First Week
features four days of social and educational activities that build relationships
and pave the way for classes, which begin Aug. 27," he said. "Events include first-year
evaluations and personal, academic and career workshops. And of course, there will
be lots of fun."

The annual Spirit & Traditions celebration will kick things off on Saturday,
Aug. 23, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on the Residential Quad.

Open to the entire campus community, it will feature free carnival-style food
and beverages, prizes and games.

Katie Mosley, new Director of Student Involvement and Service, said a new attraction
will feature laser tag.

"We'll have a giant inflatable UFO where teams of five can wage a laser tag battle,"
she said. "There also will be a giant rock-climbing wall, a Velcro wall, a huge
football tackling course and a giant Twister game."

Other sports-related attractions will include baseball, football and soccer cages.

At nightfall, the film "Jurassic Park" will be shown on a giant movie screen.

Sunday will begin with a chapel service for students at 9 a.m., followed by a
service project. The Honor Code Initiation Ceremony and first-year formal reception
will be held Sunday evening.

The fun continues Aug. 25 from 3 to 7 p.m. at the annual Callaway Gardens Beach
Bash. A shuttle will be provided, departing from Turner Hall.

The event will include free access to Robin Beach and Aqua Island, as well as
miniature golf, shuffle board and ping pong. Dinner will be served. It is open
to all students, faculty, staff and families of faculty and staff.

Attendees may drive their own cars with a signed waiver, and are responsible for
their own clothes, swim suits, sunglasses, sunscreen, towels, bug spray, etc.

Hypnotist Daniel James, a student favorite, will close out the day with a show.

First Week activities will conclude Aug. 26 with the annual Fair on the Hill and
Dinner on the Plaza from 5:30 until 7 p.m.

"We will have a live band and free food," said Mosley. "This is a great way to
meet our community partners and vendors, as well as learn about part-time job opportunities."